LAUGH YOUR DIAL OFF is a collection of the best comedy shows and acts from the Golden Age of radio. Jack Benny, Fred Allen and Allen’s Alley, Fibber McGee and Molly, Abbot and Costello, Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen with W.C. Fields. Plus previously unreleased Vic and Sade episodes, heard here for the first time. Plus commercials of the Day, so true and yet so funny. You can’t make this stuff up.

Radio was the perfect medium to bring the tradition of Vaudeville to the average American home. The quick talking word play and snappy comebacks merged with the quiet family situational comedies. The fresh open takes on the same family frustrations and foibles we face today make the works of these comic geniuses as funny today as they where in the Golden Age.

The Willamette Radio workshop operates under the direction of Sam A. Mowry, the cast for this show includes fan favorites Todd Tolces, David Meyers, Erik James, Patt Blem, Judy Straalsund, introducing Jacin Harter and good ol’ Sam A. Mowry.

Live Foley sound effects and Fibbers Famous closet by David Ian and Dino de AElfweald.

The Willamette Radio Workshop in conjunction with Forest Avenue Press and Re-Imagined Radio is proud to present THE CITY OF WEIRD From Forest Avenue Press‘ best selling story collection edited by Gigi Little and adapted by Cynthia J. McGean for the radio. Produced and directed by Sam A. Mowry.

Two shows: April 26th at 7pm at the historic Kiggins Theater 1011 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 with a $5 suggested donation and May 20th at McMenamins’ Hotel Oregon310 N. E. Evans Street McMinnville, OR 97128 as a part of the 18th annual UFO Festival, 3pm in Maddie’s Room (admission free).

We were meeting with Laura Stanfill about producing one of the stories from her recent anthology City of Weird. Well as we talked Cindy had the wonderful idea that this collection could offer several stories for radio adaptation. The more we talked the stronger the idea became and of course the UFO Festival would be the perfect spot for this collection of NW weird. The hard part was choosing only 5 stories to include, but I think you’ll love them.

“How Do You Say Gentrification in Martian” by Jonathan Hill – a short, graphic-novel/comic style story whose artwork will be featured in our Magic Lantern Show.

Transformation, by Dan DeWeese – What does existential angst look like for killer slime molds from outer

space and their nurturing spore-filled mothership when they touch down in Portland?

The Fixer: a Serial – 1 – The Duchess, by Sean Davis -a noire-style piece featuring a Sasquatch with a pot dispensary, a local dyed-in-the-wool prophet and a Russian water ghost, plus the classic hard-boiled detective and a femme fatale with atwist.

A Code for Everything, by Andrew Stark – the poignant tale of a boy and his robot dog in Portland circa 2025

Letters to The Oregonian in the Year 30,000 BC, by Mark Russell – ancient Portlanders Crolak, Chaka, Grub and Bill grapple with the trendy new invention of fire and its impact on life in the Yak Village and beyond.

As an added bonus we will be presenting our UFO show at the Kiggins theater in Vancouver on the 26th of April. That show will have the fabulous Magic Lantern work of Joe Medina, which, sadly we can’t use in McMinnville. So if you’ve missed the UFO fest before and wanted it a little closer to home, this is your lucky year. For you UFO fanatics, the parade, the music and the speakers will make your trek to wine country well worth it.

A little more about City of Weird, the book.

Now in its third printing!

Pacific Northwest Independent Bookseller bestseller

#1 Powell’s Books bestseller

#1 Powell’s Books holiday bestseller, 2016

Powell’s Pick of the Month and Pick of the Season

#1 Annie Bloom’s Bestseller

Powell’s Staff Top 5s

City of Weird conjures what we fear: death, darkness, ghosts. Hungry sea monsters and alien slime molds. Blood drinkers and game show hosts. Set in Portland, Oregon, these thirty original stories blend imagination, literary writing, and pop culture into a cohesive weirdness that honors the city’s personality, its bookstores and bridges and solo volcano, as well as the tradition of sci-fi pulp magazines. Including such authors as Rene Denfeld, Justin Hocking, Leni Zumas, and Kevin Sampsell, editor Gigi Little has curated a collection that is quirky, often chilling, at times surprisingly profound—and always perfectly weird.

This will be an epic show and you can get your own copy of City of Weird when you’re done with the radio show. You won’t be able to help yourself.

Special thanks to Washington State University in Vancouver, the Creative Media and Digital Communication Program, The Historic Kiggins Theater, The CougParents Fund and Re-Imagined Radio for their support of our work in Vancouver. Spreading the gospel of live radio throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Come join the Willamette Radio Workshop as they trudge through a record snowpocalypse to make another journey to Middle-earth with “The Hobbit’s Greatest Hits” our one-of-a-kind adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien classic suitable for all ages. We start at the beginning and end at the end, but in between, the audience chooses what order we tell the story (by picking numbers from the proverbial hat). The show is broken into two parts at 3pm and 5pm. The performance is set for Saturday, January 14th, at the McMenamin’s Kennedy School (5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.Portland, OR 97211), part of the annual J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Celebration.

The costume contest is always a highlight and this year will be no different. Bring your finest Middle Earth inspired creations and join in the fun. Come on your own or bring a crew of your favorite characters for back up. The contest will start at 4:30, sign up with Jamie and Joe at the swag table, prizes will be awarded, laughter and merriment usually ensues.

The performance is absolutely free, but remember: when you come to Middle-earth, you too may be called into service! We need your voices for the battle of the Five Armies and elsewhere , don’t worry, it won’t be 2 and a half hours long.

Washington State University will be presenting the Willamette Radio Workshop’s performance, A Radio Christmas Carol as part of the Re-imagined Radio series at the Kiggins Theater (1011 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660). Doors open at 6pm.

Admission = FREE with food donation for Clark County Food Bank.
And a $5.00 donation per person to support future performances suggested.

The Willamette Radio Workshoppresents a “live radio style” performance of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, adapted by Cynthia McGean from the source and the Campbell Playhouse versions. The classic Christmas story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim finds it’s natural home in the radio medium, the theater of the mind. A ghost story told to remind mankind of the perils of greed and isolation at a time of the year when our community needs more help than ever. This years cast includes Curtis Hanson as Scrooge, Cynthia McGean, Renee Boutin King, Patricia Blem, Chris Porter, Todd Tolces, Tim McKennie and Sam A. Mowry. Music provided by The Holly Jolly Radio Singers under the direction of Bennett Bailey. Plus in the tradition of the Golden Age of Radio, live Foley by David Ian and Dino de AElfweald. Plus Magic Lantern projections by Joe Medina. Live sound by Martin John Gallagher. Stage Manager Max Moss. The show is an hour in length and suitable for all ages.

The award winning Willamette Radio Workshop wants to help preserve the history of Radio Theatre and to this end our work includes re-creations or re-imaginings of Classic Radio programs like The Campbell Playhouses Christmas Carol with Orson Welles and Lionel Barrymore. We also just love to put on a great show and that’s what we’ve done here.

Get ready for an Old Time radio broadcast day as we all get ready for Christmas with the Civic Theater Guild’s Christmas Show Tuesday the 6th of December at 10:30 The Willamette Radio Workshop is back on the stage with a holiday episode of The Shadow- “The Stockings Were Hung”. Then Vic and Sade with “Vic’s Christmas Card List” and Suspenses’ take on the holiday with “The Night Before Christmas”. Plus 2 special Christmas songs by Kurt Misar, sung by the lovely Leah Yorkston. Plus Live Foley sound effects, a few special shorts and some of those classic Old Time Radio Commercials. Everything old is new again.

Live sound by Martin John Gallagher. Directing and lending a voice is Sam A. Mowry.

Readings are presented at The Sanctuary 1785 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232. Coffee at 10:00 AM, Performance at 10:30AM with Single tickets $8.

Here are the parking details: The entrance to their new parking lot is on NE 18th between Glisan and Irving. It is a block and a half from the theatre. Be aware that there are 2 lots on that block. Only park in the lot that has the PARK HERE sign with balloons or you will be towed for being in thewrong lot. There will have a parking attendant at the entrance to the lot starting at 9:30 am so it will be clear where to park. If you have any problems finding the lot, someone will be outside by the front door of the theatre with a map to guide you as well. There are plenty of spaces available (100) so no need to rush.

Welcome to McMenamins’ UFO Festival, called the 2nd-largest alien festival in the United States. WRW has been producing high quality audio drama for the past 15 years and the UFO Festival is always a highlight of the year. This year we bring you BOOKS IN SPACE a compendium of 15 minute section of some of literatures greatest classics. Macbeth, Count of Monte Christo, The Tell Tale Heart and Sweeney Todd. All are materfully adapted in to a far distant future in a galaxy unknown to us by William S. Gregaory. Mr. Gregory is an award winning playwright and radio dramatist and he has created a unquie experience for you all to share. Live Foley SFX by David Ian and Dino de AElfweald, Digital SFX by Marc Rose and original music by Bennett Baily. The cast includes James Dineen, Patt Blem, Bruce Miles, Phil Rudolph and Douglas Mitchell. Phillip Bursch is our live sound engineer and merchandizing by Jamie Lawson and Joe Medinda (be sure to drop in and say HI.jamie

The whole menagre is directed and produced by Sam A. Mowry and he won’t leave the stage, so he plays a few roles as well.

We perform in Mattie’s Room of the Hotel Oregon in McMinnville, OR. 3pm start, 2pm doors. Admission is FREE and there is a bar in the room.

“From our hosts:
McMenamins UFO Festival is a 4 day event being held from 12th May to the 15th May 2016 at the McMenamins Hotel Oregon in McMinnville, USA. This event showcases products like the “Ground Zero” radio show, a parade, an alien pet costume contest (with the first chicken entrant), live music, a fun run, a specially brewed Alienator Ale, luncheon and breakfast with speakers, McMenamins Passport stamps, expert speakers, live music and more, along with a UFO costume parade, alien pet costume contest, live music and beyond etc.”

Our final presentation of this years Re-Imagined Radio Project brings two of radios greatest crime fighters to center stage, The Shadow and Matt Dillion in Gunsmoke.

The performance takes place at 7 p.m. May 4 at the Kiggins Theatre in downtown Vancouver, located at 1011 Main St., Vancouver, Washington 98660. Doors open at 6pm.

It is free and open to the public.

Directed by Sam A. Mowry, the dramas are episodes from the radio series “Gunsmoke” and “The Shadow.” The performance is part of the Re-Imagined Radio project produced by John Barber, faculty member in Washington State University Vancouver’s Creative Media and Digital Culture Program.

“These radio dramas were written and performed long before there was a name for or understanding about PTSD,” Barber said, “but the effects were real and provided the basis for great storytelling and critical thinking.”

Broadcast for 480 episodes between 1952 and 1961, “Gunsmoke” is one of the longest-running radio series and went on to 20 years on TV as well. The performance features an episode titled “Bloody Hands,” in which Marshall Matt Dillion, faced with too much killing and fearing he has lost his edge, quits his job. Dodge becomes an open town and when a murderer comes to town, Matt has some tough choices ahead of him.

“The Shadow” centers on Lamont Cranston, a young man with a mysterious power to “Cloud mens minds”. The episode to be performed, “The Silent Avenger,” is from 1938, when Orson Welles voiced the The Shadow. The Shadow confronts a man facing a death sentence who has manipulated his brother, a World War I sniper suffering from PTSD, to kill everyone responsible for his pending execution. The Shadows speech at the shows conclusion will shock you to realize it was written 78 years ago.

The Willamette Radio Workshop creates original studio productions and reimagines historic radio programs in front of live audiences. Winning major awards for their work.

Special Thanks to Marc Rose, Cynthia J. McGean, Washington State University in Vancouver, The Creative Media and Digital Culture program, The Cougs Parents Fund, Dan Wyatt and the staff at the Kiggins Theater.

Producer of this series, John Barber.

And the always remarkable Dene Grigar.

Concessions, beer and wine will be available for purchase. The Kiggins Theatre is located at 1011 Main St., Vancouver, Washington 98660.

About WSU Vancouver

As one of four campuses of the Washington State University system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations.

Hello! Saturday the 27th we are performing for the Mighty Women Dragon Boat team fund raiser. We are happy to present our second foray into the wonderful world of 79 Wistful Vista, the home of Fibber McGee and Molly (Or Fibber Shane and Jeanie as the case may be). Come check us out and support a great group of women.

Come celebrate with Mighty Women! Bid on a variety of exciting Silent Auction items from local and regional restaurants and businesses. Enjoy classic comedy and adventure with a performance by the famous Willamette Radio Workshop.

Come join the Willamette Radio Workshop as we make another journey to Middle-earth with “The Hobbit’s Greatest Hits” our one-of-a-kind adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien classic suitable for all ages. We start at the beginning and end at the end, but in between, the audience chooses what order we tell the story (by picking numbers from the proverbial hat). The show is broken into two parts at 3pm and 5pm. The performance is set for Saturday, January 9th, at the McMenamin’s Kennedy School (5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.Portland, OR 97211), part of the annual J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Celebration.

The costume contest is always a highlight and this year will be no different. Bring your finest Middle Earth inspired creations and join in the fun. Come on your own or bring a crew of your favorite characters for back up. The contest will start at 4:30, sign up with Jamie and Joe at the swag table, prizes will be awarded, laughter and merriment usually ensues.

The performance is absolutely free, but remember: when you come to Middle-earth, you too may be called into service! We need your voices for the battle of the Five Armies and elsewhere , don’t worry, it won’t be 2 and a half hours long.

Willamette Radio Workshop’s Radio Christmas Carol will be broadcast on Oregon Public Broadcastings radio stations across all Oregon and Southwest Washington this Thursday evening the 24th (of all the good old days of the year, Christmas eve!) at 9pm on 91.5 fm. And streaming from: http://www.opb.org/radio/listennow/player.php/

For many years, members of the Willamette Radio Workshop have given special performances of “A Christmas Carol” for audiences around the Portland metro area who might not otherwise have had any holiday entertainment. We took this tradition to the next level with a live performance, open to the public, to benefit our local Food Bank. We are very excited to now be able to share it with the whole state. We also ask that if you have the resources, that you continue to support the food banks in your area, all year round.

This “live radio” performance of “A Christmas Carol,” was adapted by Cynthia J. McGean from the Charles Dickens story and the Campbell Playhouse version. The show was recorded at First Christian Church in Portland, Oregon in front of a live audience. While admission was free, we asked for the donation of two cans of non-perishable food per person or an appropriate cash donation to the Food Bank. Envelopes were available for cash donations.

The cast for this performance included Tim McKennie, James Dineen, Greg Alexander, Alan King, Cynthia McGean, Renee Boutin King, Mary Thomas and Sam A. Mowry. Live music and carols provided by The Holly Jolly Radio Choir, directed by Bennett Bailey and featuring over twenty singers!